Imagine biting into the most irresistibly crunchy, golden-brown chicken pieces that are not only incredibly delicious but also healthier than traditional deep-fried versions. This Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is about to revolutionize your snack game, delivering restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen with a fraction of the oil. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a protein-packed snack, these bite-sized chicken morsels are guaranteed to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with buttermilk, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
- In a separate shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece completely in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coating.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in multiple batches.
- Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy exterior.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Check internal temperature of chicken pieces - they should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Remove from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow coating to set and chicken to cool slightly.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Tips
- Marinating is key! The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds incredible flavor, so don't skip this step.
- For maximum crispiness, ensure chicken pieces are evenly coated with breadcrumbs and not overcrowded in the air fryer basket.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For extra crunch, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to your breadcrumb mixture.
- Experiment with different seasoning blends - try adding cayenne for heat or dried herbs for more complexity.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, as the coating can lose its crispness if left sitting too long.
- For meal prep, these can be frozen after cooking and reheated in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg
